Barriers and facilitators to reaching a diagnosis of PNES from the patients' perspective: Preliminary findings

The patients' perspectives revealed that an earlier diagnosis of PNES is essential to address the loss of independence and limit inappropriate and potentially harmful treatment as well as the costly burden of this condition on both the patient and the healthcare system. It was evident in this study that healthcare providers play an essential role in the subjective experiences of these individuals during the diagnostic process. The implementation of continuous education programmes for healthcare providers in particular could contribute positively to the diagnostic process of PNES for patients.